A designer has created a new kind of platform, which could allow high speed trains to run without slowing down. The designer is Paul Priestman from Priestmangoode and the new concept is “Moving Platforms” which can make high-speed trains travel more efficient by eliminating the stops.
The concept is to use tram like trains to collect the passengers, which will then speed up and connect to the already running high speed train. The high-speed train slows down slightly and docks with the regular train, so that the passengers can move from one to the other. Travellers would be able to board and disembark at speed, reducing the possibilities for the train to stop.
Apart from this, the technology could also be used to connect high-speed trains, reducing the requirements of changing trains by disembarking onto train stations. Moving Platforms is the future of rail travel. There are many high-speed trains around the world. However, running a high tech, high speed 21st century train service on the old infrastructure is inefficient. As a result, Paul came with the idea of Moving Platforms, which can revolutionize the train industry just like the internet revolutionized the way we communicate.
Priestman says, ‘This idea is not as crazy as it sounds. The problem is we’re trying to run a 21st century service on a 19th century infrastructure,” He explains.” I think that stations are completely out of date. With the modern technology, the modern trains that we are building now, having to have them stop at stations is ridiculous. The railway system is almost like the telecommunications system before the internet arrived.” He cites current examples of where we step on to moving vehicles, such as escalators, moving walkways and the London Eye.
The designer is a train expert having worked on designs for the Virgin Pendolino, the Mercury Train Concept, and the Sifang Locomotive Company in China. Now, his latest idea of the Moving Platform is exciting. He is proposing a network of non-stop high-speed trains, which can link up with the local trams, and the travellers can pass between the moving tram and the moving train. If the design could go a long way, it can perhaps even create problems for the Airlines around the world as trains get more and more efficient.
Via: The Independent
